You know all about the Fourth of July, and you
probably know something about Cinco de Mayo, but what do you know about
Syttende Mai, Norway's celebration of independence?

The story behind the holiday isn't splashy or dramatic,
unlike the rebellious tale we're used to hearing every Fourth of July, but to
the roughly 4.5 million Norwegian Americans in the country, it's still a big
deal.

The holiday celebrates the signing of Norway's
constitution on May 17, 1814. After hundreds of years of being linked with
neighboring Denmark, the people of Norway decided to go it alone in the
crushing aftermath of the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century.
Afraid the country might cede to Sweden, Norwegians quickly declared the
country an independent kingdom.

The first few years of independence were quiet come May, as
King Karl Johan banned all celebrations, fearing they would lead to revolt.
Eventually he changed his tune, allowing a festive and colorful tradition to
flourish.

Norwegians the world over still celebrate Syttende Mai
(which means the 17th of May) with parades, music and feasting.
Celebrations outside Norway draw big crowds as well, notably events in
Seattle and Petersburg, Alaska.

This year's festivities start at 1 p.m. and include the
Grand Flag Parade at 3 p.m., a community dance in the evening, live music and a spread of amazing (and
hard-to-pronounce) food – open-faced shrimp sandwiches, rolls with Gjetost or
Jarlsberg cheese, surkål, pølse, rømmegrøt, bløtkake and Nowegian
Solo.

Admission is free for the big event, and traditional dress
is encouraged. If you're not Norwegian, it's a great opportunity to school
yourself in some cultural celebrations, and if nothing else is an excellent excuse
to wear bunad
and eat some bløtkake.